First Nations Organisations Endorse Call for Restoration of Research Funding

OPEN LETTER: First Nations Organisations Endorse Call for Restoration of Research Funding

Dear Minister Bennett:

We write to follow up on our November 25, 2015 letter asking you to communicate your government’s intentions regarding an immediate restoration of specific claims research funding to claims research units (CRUs) and First Nations.

We also draw your attention to 50 letters and emails of support calling for specific claims research funding to be restored to previous levels. A list of endorsements is appended here and the letters themselves will be forwarded to you under separate cover. These letters represent almost 450 First Nations across Canada.

We respectfully remind you that the deadline for all CRUs and First Nations seeking annual specific claims research funding for the 2016-2017 fiscal year is January 15, 2016. We request that you inform us as to whether research funding levels will be restored as soon as possible so that we may inform the Indigenous communities for whom we conduct research what they may expect regarding progress on their claims and so that we may plan accordingly.

We reiterate that your government has stated that a meaningful reconciliation process requires at the very least that Canada fulfills its past promises as a concrete demonstration of good faith and the honour of the Crown. Immediate restoration of research funding will demonstrate clearly the seriousness of your government’s commitment and will allow First Nations access to justice previously promised and denied.